Production Scheduler - MDF Door Skin Manufacturing Facility

Position Summary The Production Scheduler is responsible for developing and executing a disciplined production plan for the MDF Door Skin manufacturing operation. This role aligns with operational demand, die capacity and plant capacity, while optimizing cost structures and press utilization. A critical function of this position is managing design and SKU level volume allocation, determining which MDF skin designs and sizes are produced in-house versus sourced domestically or internationally based on cost, availability, and operational efficiency. Key Responsibilities Production Scheduling & Execution Develop and maintain daily and weekly production schedules across pressing, finishing, and downstream operations. Develop Daily and weekly shipping schedules to all Door plant locations Develop and maintain forecasting that would be used to forecast purchases of skins both domestically and internationally. Sequence production runs by skin design and specifications to maximize press uptime and minimize changeovers Align schedules with demand, inventory targets, and plant constraints Design-Level Volume Allocation (Make vs. Buy) Analyze demand by skin design (profile, size, finish) and determine optimal sourcing strategy Allocate volumes between: o In-house production (core, high-volume, press-efficient designs) o Domestic suppliers (flex capacity, shorter lead times) o International suppliers (cost advantage, base-load support) Continuously adjust allocation based on: o Press capacity and up-time requirements o Vendor pricing and total land cost o Lead times and supply reliability o Inventory levels and turns Capacity & Throughput Optimization o Balance production mix to keep presses running at optimal utilization o Shift production away from low-efficiency or high-changeover designs when external supply is more effective o Reduce downtime by stabilizing product mix and run lengths Material & Inventory Alignment Ensure raw materials (fiber, resin, additives) align with production schedules Manage stocking levels at the door plants to ensure optimal stocking. Monitor WIP and finished goods by design to prevent shortages or excess Support inventory optimization while maintaining service levels Cross-Functional Coordination Partner with Purchasing, Sales, Operations, Maintenance and Logistics to align sourcing and production decisions Communicate changes in allocation strategy and production schedule proactively Adjust plans based on downtime, quality issues, or demand shifts Monitor scrap reports from door plants to identify root causes and corrective actions.